Bentley POV
I darted to the table, where the ingredients were neatly arranged. "For this recipe, we’ll be using these ingredients: olive oil, chopped bacon, and brown mushrooms." I paused, picking one up and showing it to the camera. "Thinly sliced, like this."

I continued, "Chopped onions, salt, and, of course, our main ingredient: pork tenderloin."

I turned on the oven and placed my pan. "First, we’re going to cook the fillings. I’m frying the bacon until it’s brown," I explained, emptying two more bowls into the pan. "We’re adding our sliced onions and mushrooms; sauté until softened," I said, stirring.

"Add your seasonings: salt, garlic, black pepper, chopped parsley, and one minced garlic clove. We’re going to stir constantly," I said, turning the mixture with my wooden spoon.

"We’re done with that," I said, scooping it into a white bowl.

Moving to the kitchen counter, I placed the pork on the white chopping board. "I’m removing the silver skin; if not, it’ll end up chewy and tough. Be careful not to trim the meat." I pushed it aside and cut the pork.

"Cut a deep slit down to the center of the tenderloin and open it up like a book."

I continued, "Cover it in plastic wrap and pound it until it’s thin," I wrapped it in a sheet and beat it with a meat mallet.

"Now, we’re going to fill it up with the mushrooms and secure it with toothpicks so it doesn’t spill," I said, rolling the long end and securing it with seven toothpicks.

"Now, we’re going to season with salt and black pepper, then put it back in the pan. Sear for six to eight minutes."

I put on my mitts. "Transfer to the oven and bake at 400°F for eighteen to twenty minutes." I moved it to the cutting board and then removed the gloves. "Allow it to rest for ten minutes." I slowly turned it. "Don’t forget to remove the toothpicks before you cut."

I smiled, looking up at the camera. "Now, let me show you how to make your food aesthetically pleasing." I brushed off the pan juices, glazing it around the tenderloin, giving it a caramelized appearance—it also adds to the flavor.

I picked up the knife, saying, "Before we eat, I’m going to cut this to about a half-inch thickness and garnish with parsley." I sprinkled it around, adding a new pop of color and flavor.

"And... we’re done," I grinned. Damian zoomed in on the scrumptious, flavor-packed meal, arranged horizontally.

I picked up a slice and tasted it. My eyes glimmered. "Yum! It’s delicious," I gave a thumbs up.

"Okay, now you know this recipe. I hope you try it out yourself," I said, beaming at the camera. "If you liked the video, hit the like button and subscribe to get notified when I post the next one." I waved. "See you next week."

"And cut!" Damian smiled. I exhaled, collapsing into the nearest chair.

He hurried to the table, pointing at the food. "You’re gonna eat that?"

I gazed at him, giving him a knowing look. I chuckled at his pouting expression, his eyes filled with guilt like a child who just got scolded. "You can have it," I answered.

"Yes!" he exclaimed, taking a big bite. "Slow down, or you’ll choke," I laughed, shaking my head with a sigh.

***

The big, bright golden-orange in the sky was a sign of a good day. I marched into the restaurant, my resignation letter in hand. I’d been counting down the days to this moment.

I’ll admit it was an honor working in such an establishment—except for the times when my boss would overwork me for no good reason. Sometimes, I wonder if I made him miserable in a past life.

I inhaled and tapped on the door. "You may enter," a voice answered from the room.

Dominic lifted his gaze from the files on the table. He grinned widely, seeing me walk in. "Good morning, Bentley." His smile vanished as he glanced at my clothes. "Why aren’t you in your uniform?"

"Good morning, boss," I emphasized the last word, faking a smile. "My resignation letter."

Dominic froze, wide-eyed. He masked his surprise with a smile. "Resignation? Why so sudden? Was there a problem?"

I closed my eyes, my lips pressed together—controlling the urge to be rude. I took a deep breath, shaking my head. "No, everything was perfectly fine. I liked the parts when I worked extra time without getting paid extra." I forced a smile, dropping my folded white uniform on his table.

He snarled, glaring at me intensely. Knowing I’d touched a nerve, I tilted my head to the side, flashing a grin. "I’ll take my leave now, permanently," I said firmly, turning on my heels—my head held high as I strutted out of the office like I was Superman.

I was out of that hellhole, never to make the mistake of returning.

I boarded a taxi to Breakfast Delight Shop—my place of comfort, free from toxicity and Dominic. I’d gotten the money I wanted; there was no reason to remain in an energy-draining environment.

The storm was ending, and rays of hope and stability were making their entrance into my life. Things would change for the better.

The bell dinged as I opened the door. I stepped in, embraced by its warmth and cozy atmosphere, the aroma of coffee and sweet pastries filling the air.

"Hey, Bentley!" Mia yelled, waving from the seat by the window—my favorite spot to relax.

"Hi," I waved, flashing a smile. "We’ll catch up later," I added, then moved to the counter.

Mrs. Holly smiled warmly. "Hello, child, is today your day off, too?"

"Yup, and it lasts forever," I gave a small nod, folding my arms.

"Oh, dear! What happened?" she asked softly, her eyes showing genuine concern.

"I quit," I said with a smug look. "That means I’ll be back to working on weekdays here."

Author's note:
Yay! No more Dominic.😁

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